Tempers flared in a Margate shop as councillors argued over a petition collected by traders who fear they will see a rise in crime if they lose their street wardens.

Cllr Iris Johnston was invited to the shop as ward councillor to receive the 1,500 signature petition from Cheryl Husseyn, manager of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, on Thursday, when council leader Sandy Ezekiel and his deputy Cllr Roger Latchford arrived and accused Mrs Johnston of politicising the issue.

During a heated discussion in front of the media and shop customers, Cllr Latchford tried to grab the petition from Cllr Johnston, who said he could see it when she handed it in to the council, and accused them both of intimidating her.

Cllr Ezekiel stressed that the council was working closely with local police, and that cover in the high street would still continue, using a combination of the council’s 10 wardens and PCSOs.

He suggested the petition should be presented to the next full council meeting, before leaving with Cllr Latchford.

High Street traders in Margate had invited customers to sign their petition following an announcement by Thanet Council that street wardens might be redeployed from there to reduce crime and disorder on local beaches. The businesses fear such a move would see a rise in crime in the shops.

Cllr Johnston said afterwards: “Our community wardens have their finger on the pulse of what is happening in our towns. Their presence is reassuring and invaluable for the assistance and peace of mind they offer residents and visitors.What hasn’t been confirmed is that the traders will be able to keep the same two wardens who have built up such a great rapport with them and their customers.

She has now presented the petition to council Chief Executive Richard Samuel as she believes this is the quickest way for the authority to be able to gauge the depth of feeling over the whole issue.

For the full story, see the Thanet Extra, out on Wednesday June 18.